Vandalism at Erickson Park

The restrooms at Erickson Park are closed indefinitely after vandals repeatedly caused damage to the property, leaving town officials wondering how to move forward.

The damage didn't all occur at once. Battery packs that powered the timed door locks were stolen, a knob was removed from a sink handle in a bathroom, a waste basket was kicked in, a toilet paper dispenser cover was ripped off, a light sensor was torn from the ceiling, super glue was poured on the exterior of a trash bin, garbage cans were stacked in a restroom, and the faucet was torn off the kitchen sink in the pavilion area.

Cathlamet Mayor David Olson expressed distress over the damage to community amenities that were improved to the tune of $50,000, just last year.

"It hurts everybody," he said.

"It's frustrating," Cathlamet Public Works Superintendent David McNally said, echoing Olson's earlier words. "We try to make things nice for people, and that's what we get."

The Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office has been notified, and the use of cameras is being considered for the future.

"We will attempt to make accommodations for the upcoming events at the park but as of now nothing has been determined as a solution," McNally said, referring to the corn hole and pickle ball tournaments planned there this weekend.

If anyone has any information as to who may be involved in the vandalism or knows someone who may know something, they are instructed to contact the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office.